Ureaplasma bacteria are present in your urinary tract and genitals. They usually do not cause any harm though there might be a link between Ureaplasma infection and infertility. There are at-home testing kits available but anyone who has this infection need to consult with the doctor. Go through this blogpost to know about the symptoms of an infection, who need to undergo a test and much more.
About Ureaplasma
Ureaplasma are bacteria and regular part of microbiome of your body. They belong to a group of bacteria known as Mycoplasma and they usually do not cause any problems. The bacteria do not have cell wall and they are highly resistant to antibiotics like penicillin.
When Ureaplasma cause an infection, this can play a vital role in these health concerns:
- Urethritis
- Endometritis
- kidney stones
- bacterial Vaginosis
- Prostatitis
Besides, Ureaplasma may pass on a fetus in utero or at the time of birth. When fetus develops this infection, it may lead to:
- meningitis
- preterm birth
- brain injury
- stillbirth
- lung infections like pneumonia
- pregnancy loss
- premature rupture of membranes
Symptoms with Ureaplasma infection
Mostly, the presence of Ureaplasma bacteria does not cause any symptoms. The bacteria may lead to an infection which causes further complications in some situations. For example, if Ureaplasma leads to inflammation in your urethra or urethritis, it can be the reason for burning sensation and pain during urination and discharge from your urethra.
Ureaplasma might be the reason for bacterial vaginosis. One symptom is bad smell due to vaginal discharge. When Ureaplasma infection causes kidney stones, you might experience bloody urine and back pain. The bacteria may lead to premature labor for pregnant women. Some signs include bleeding, cramping pelvic pressure and backache.
Is it possible to treat the infection?
The doctor will prescribe antibiotics for treating Ureaplasma infection. Specific antibiotics depend on the location of infection which can be inappropriate for some people. The new born babies and pregnant women may not be able to take some antibiotics due to Ureaplasma infections. A doctor can suggest the right medication for Ureaplasma infection for each person.
Who is Ureaplasma testing for?
People who need to consider testing include:
- who have had anal, oral or vaginal sex without any kind of protection
- who enjoy sex with more than one sex partner
- who are pregnant
- anyone with past or present sex partner having this infection
- anyone with symptoms of sexually transmitted infection or STI
At-home testing kit can detect the infection though anyone having it should consult with the doctor.
How accurate is the test result of Ureaplasma?
The accuracy will depend on the kind of brand and if the person collects the sample. Many companies choose certified laboratories or ensure their own tests have third-party verification for better accuracy.
What are the indications of Ureaplasma?
Ureaplasma infection won’t be the reason for any health problems. But it may cause further complications at the time of pregnancy. The infection can cause infertility and other health concerns without proper treatment. You need to speak with the doctor see whether the result of at-home test seem to be positive.
What are the signs and symptoms of Ureaplasma for men and women?
Ureaplasma won’t show any symptoms at the early stages. When they take place, the symptoms include inflammation of urethra in men as well as women. This can be the reason for extreme pain at the time of urination, abnormal discharge and burning sensation with redness around your infection site. In case of women, this can cause foul vaginal odour, abnormal watery vaginal discharge and lower abdominal pains.
It is important to get tested for early diagnosis and lessen the chances of serious health problems such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) or other infections.
How can I get Ureaplasma?
Ureaplasma is quite common among individuals who remain sexually active. This infection can spread through unsafe anal or vaginal sex. Pregnant women may even pass on the infection to their unborn baby. This infection goes away within a few months or will clear up when you take antibiotics.
How will I know if I have the infection?
Ureaplasma infection does not show any symptoms. You can diagnose the infection through testing. A person needs to follow up with the doctor for any positive result.
What should I do when the result is positive?
If any STI test is positive, then you need to contact STI Clinic in London or visit their website for getting necessary treatment quickly. Ureaplasma bacteria may pass from one person to the other due to sexual contact. The infection may lead to some complications at the time of pregnancy. The treatment involves taking antibiotics, as the doctor suggests you. Anyone who suffers from Ureaplasma infection when the test result is positive should get in touch with a healthcare professional.
